Raipur model best suited for developing new capital

Formation of Capital Area Development Authority could be the best option for the officialdom for planned development of the proposed capital

If the AICC general secretary Digvijay Singh’s assertion that there was ample scope for development of a much better capital than Hyderabad once bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh takes place, setting up of a Capital Area Development Authority (CADA) is must.

“Whether the new capital will be in Kurnool, Guntur or Ongole will be decided after holding consultations,” he had remarked on Friday. Once the 10-year period of Hyderabad as the joint capital ends, the A. P. Government has to ensure that the new capital is ready with all the facilities.

Intense lobbying has already begun with people projecting their respective cities and towns as potential place for the new capital.

Formation of Capital Area Development Authority (CADA) could be the best option for the officialdom for planned development of the proposed capital.

In case of Naya Raipur, CADA was formed which was subsequently renamed as Naya Raipur Development Authority (NRDA).

Though, Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh way back in 2000, the actual city plan for the new capital was approved only in 2008. It was only after that the construction of capital complex began.

The experience of Naya Raipur, the first Greenfield capital of Chhattisgarh State spread across 20,000 acres, 17 kms from Raipur city, is an example of how proper planning is needed to develop an administrative capital that would house legislature, secretariat, Raj Bhavan and other Government office complexes. The authorities may have to replicate the NRDA model to build a world class capital that has close to 10,000 acres of public places, parks and landscaped gardens.

The new capital is knowledge hub with prestigious institutions setting up their centres. A sports village, city park, water sports complex and Central Business District are all part of Naya Raipur. Well designed water treatment plant and decentralised sewage treatment plants make the Chhattisgarh capital, envy to other such cities across India.

Land acquisition

A key issue that needs to be addressed is the issue of acquiring land for the purpose of developing new capital. For this purpose, Government could take a leaf out of the initiative of NRDA, which decided to purchase the land directly from farmers with their consent instead of acquiring the same under Land Acquisition Act. The compensation in this case was decided after a series of consultations with the displaced people, public representatives and stake holders. A hassle-free system was in place for registration of the sale deed and payment of compensation across the counter through account payee cheques, immediately after registration.

Intense lobbying has already begun with people projecting their respective cities and towns as potential place for the new capital.